Free Compliance Resources
Practical tools, checklists, and practitioner guides for Medicare Advantage compliance teams. Free to use, no email required.
Tools and Checklists
CMS Universe Header Check
Validate your ODAG, CDAG, FA, SNPCC, and CPE universe file headers against the current CMS Program Audit spec. Runs entirely in your browser, so your headers never leave your machine.
CMS Compliance Checklist
A practical checklist covering core CMS requirements for Medicare Advantage organizations, from universe data readiness to compliance program documentation. Print it or work through it on screen.
Compliance Glossary
Plain-English definitions for the terms MA compliance teams live with: IDS, CAR, universes, COA, effectuations, and more, each linked to a deeper guide.
Practitioner Guides
In-depth guides to the 2026 CMS Program Audit framework and every universe protocol, written by people who validate these files for a living.
Start here
The CMS Program Audit: A Complete Guide
The 2026 framework, the audit lifecycle, and all five protocols in one place, with links into every deep-dive below.
What Is a CMS Universe Scrubber?
Universe is CMS's word, not a vendor's. What universe scrubbing software actually validates (structure, formats, timeliness logic, cross-table consistency), why IDS makes it matter, and seven questions for evaluating any tool in the category.
When the Engagement Letter Lands: A 30-Day Playbook for the 2026 CMS Audit Cycle
A former Medicare Advantage Chief Compliance Officer's 30-day playbook for the first month after a 2026 CMS program audit engagement letter arrives. Days 1-3, 4-10, 11-20, 21-30, plus cross-cutting readiness items.
Big Changes Coming to CMS Program Audits in 2026
CMS released their 2026 Program Audit Updates memo with significant changes: scoring eliminated, ICAR/ORCA classifications removed, new CPE evaluation approach, and evolved validation audit requirements. Here's what compliance teams need to know.
Invalid Data Submission (IDS) in 2026: What You Need to Know
With CMS eliminating audit scoring and ICAR/ORCA classifications, Invalid Data Submission (IDS) becomes even more critical. Learn what triggers IDS findings and how to prevent them before February 2026.
The ODAG Universe: A Table-by-Table Guide for Compliance Teams
A practical walkthrough of all 5 ODAG universe tables: OD, Reconsiderations, Payment, Effectuations, and Grievances. Learn what each table captures, which fields matter most, and where plans commonly get tripped up.
The CDAG Universe: A Table-by-Table Guide for Part D Compliance Teams
A practical walkthrough of the Part D Coverage Determinations, Appeals and Grievances universe. Where it differs from ODAG, the timeliness rules that catch plans off guard, and the data quality issues we see most.
The FA Universe: How CMS Audits Your Formulary at the Pharmacy Counter
The Formulary Administration audit looks at what your PBM rejected, what got transitioned, and whether members were notified on time. A practical walkthrough of where most plans get tripped up.
CMS SNPCC Compliance Guide: Protecting Vulnerable Medicare Members Through Care Coordination
Learn how CMS SNPCC audits ensure Special Needs Plans deliver coordinated care. Understand the 13 CMS standards, HRA timeliness requirements, and how to build a proactive compliance program.
The CPE COA Universe: Your Roadmap for CMS's New "Collaborating on Compliance" Approach
Under CMS's 2026 "Collaborating on Compliance" model, your COA universe becomes the foundation for every discussion with auditors. Learn what the 12 COA data elements mean, common gaps that undermine discussions, and how to prepare before February 2026.
CMS Audit Preparation for Medicare Advantage Plans: A 2026 Guide
How to prepare for a 2026 CMS Program Audit under the new CAR/Observation/IDS framework. Universe file validation, COA universe readiness, documentation requirements, and during-audit response.
Want the Automated Version?
These resources cover the manual work. The Sevana platform automates it: universe validation, guidance tracking, risk assessment, and audit-ready evidence in one place.